WeTried Translations

Translator: Nemui

Editor: Nemui

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 132: Imperial Visit (2)

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"The force we can dispatch is three thousand men."

Claudia did not let her expression change.

Three thousand.

For Edelstein, which was scraping together every soldier, mercenary, volunteer, and conscript it could muster, that number was enormous. It was not enough to decide the war alone, but it was enough to change the shape of the battlefield.

Edwin continued.

"They will not be weak conscripts gathered in haste. They will be regular imperial soldiers, trained and equipped by the Empire. We will also prepare their supplies and transport. They will move by sea through the South Sea, so I ask that Edelstein give priority to an appropriate port and prepare a route to the front."

"That can be arranged."

"Good. Their main armament will be the Black Bow."

At those words, Claudia's eyes sharpened.

The Black Bow was the newest composite bow produced by imperial craftsmen. Its effective range was said to exceed ordinary bows by roughly thirty percent. It was not a weapon that could be supplied casually to another country.

"You would lend us the Black Bow?"

"For this battle only. The troops will be commanded by imperial officers, but on the battlefield, their final use will be entrusted to Edelstein's supreme commander. Since they are archers, I expect them to be placed in the safer rear."

"That is already a generous proposal."

"There is more."

Edwin signaled to an attendant. A small case was brought in and placed on the table. When it was opened, Claudia saw a compact black weapon resting inside.

It resembled a crossbow, but it was small enough to be held in one hand.

"This is the Black Crossbow. It is a prototype made from the same material as the Black Bow."

Claudia leaned forward.

"A crossbow that can be used on horseback?"

"That is one intended use. It is too small to replace a real bow or ordinary crossbow, and its durability is still poor. But if the string is drawn in advance, a mounted soldier can release one shot with one hand."

"One shot only."

"In most cases, one shot is all that is needed."

Edwin's tone was mild, but the weapon's value was obvious. Cavalry already had the force of charge and mobility. If they could add even a single ranged attack before impact, tactical possibilities widened.

"We can provide one hundred. They are prototypes, so do not expect more."

Claudia looked at the weapon, then at Edwin.

"The durability issue also means that even if one is captured, it will not easily be studied."

"That is a very unkind interpretation."

"Is it wrong?"

"Not entirely."

Edwin smiled without guilt.

Claudia understood the value of the offer. Three thousand trained archers equipped with weapons of superior range. One hundred mounted crossbows. Their own supplies and transport. For a country preparing to fight an enemy larger than itself, it was a powerful reinforcement.

That made the price all the more important.

"I understand the aid. Now I must ask, why is the Empire able to offer this much? Sending three thousand regulars and advanced weapons to a disadvantaged ally should have met resistance from your nobles."

"Ordinarily, yes."

Edwin's smile grew wry.

"But this time there was no resistance. If anything, the opposite happened."

"The opposite?"

"Marquis Christopher Langford and Marchioness Melinda worked very hard in imperial society."

Claudia blinked once.

"They told the story of Edelstein knights protecting the imperial ambassador, of imperial and Edelstein knights fighting side by side, and of the friendship formed on that road. The story spread through salons and noble gatherings with remarkable speed."

Edwin lifted his teacup.

"The phrase that caught on was, 'The Empire repays its debts.'"

Claudia could not help letting out a quiet breath of amusement.

"So public sentiment among the imperial nobles now favors repayment."

"Exactly. Political obstacles are almost nonexistent."

That was good news, but it also meant Edwin had deliberately allowed or encouraged the atmosphere to grow. Claudia could almost see the trap.

"Then let us hear the price."

"There are two main conditions."

Edwin placed his cup down.

"The first is material profit. Iron."

Claudia's expression tightened.

Edelstein possessed valuable iron resources, but export was tightly restricted. Iron was the foundation of weapons, armor, tools, and national strength. No kingdom loosened its grip on iron without reason.

"The Empire asks that Edelstein ease restrictions on iron exports to us for a fixed period. As for price, I hope Your Majesty will show sincerity."

"Sincerity."

"A friendly word."

"A dangerous word."

The precise conditions Edwin presented were harsh, but not impossible. For ten years, Edelstein would export iron to the Empire at a price that left almost no profit.

It was painful. But if the kingdom fell, no iron policy would matter.

"I can accept this condition."

"I thought you would."

"And the second?"

Instead of answering at once, Edwin glanced at the attendant by the door. The attendant left and soon returned with a young man.

He looked nervous. He had a gentle face, and his bearing was that of someone raised carefully within the imperial palace rather than on the battlefield. Claudia guessed his identity before Edwin introduced him.

"This is Dustin Rigald, fourth prince of the Rigald Empire. He is His Majesty the Emperor's youngest son and came of age last year."

Dustin bowed deeply.

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."

Claudia returned the courtesy while already understanding what Edwin was about to say.

Edwin spoke in a voice as calm as if he were discussing trade.

"The second condition is a marriage between the imperial house and the royal house of Edelstein. Specifically, Prince Dustin will enter Edelstein as your consort."

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